Fence Regulations in Whittier, CA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Whittier, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fence Permit Requirements
Whittier exempts only very low walls and fences from its building permit requirement. Section 105.2 excuses walls or fences 18 inches or less in height; anything taller falls under the Section 105.1 permit requirement for structures.
Whittier Fence Permit Threshold Is 18 Inches
Some RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 15.01.040 (Section 105.2)
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of the codes shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the codes, State laws, ordinances, or established policies of this jurisdiction. ... permits shall not be required for the following. Building: ... 2.Walls or fences not over 18 inches in height. Walls ...
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in Whittier's residential zones are capped by location under Table 18.10.030(D): 42 inches in a front yard on an above-grade lot, or up to 6 feet on a below-grade lot if hidden from the street, with a 4-foot landscaped setback and a safety fence on top. Because a retaining wall holds back soil, it never qualifies for the code's short-wall permit exemption.
Whittier Retaining Wall Height And Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 18.10.030(D)(2)(d)
(A)Maximum Height. The maximum height of a retaining wall on an above grade lot is forty-two inches within the front yard setback; however, retaining walls over three feet in height within the front yard setback shall be set back from the right-of-way line a minimum of four feet and the setback space appropriately landscaped. ... ii.Lot Below Street Grade.(A)Maximum Height. Retaining walls, or ...
Material Restrictions
Whittier prohibits razor wire, barbed wire, concertina wire, nails, glass, and electrified fencing on any wall or fence citywide under Section 18.64.070. Limited exceptions allow barbed or razor wire on nonresidential security fencing that meets strict setback, height, and screening conditions.
Whittier Bans Barbed and Electrified Fencing
Significant RestrictionsWhittier Municipal Code § 18.64.070
Notwithstanding any other section of this code, walls and fences shall not be constructed or maintained in a manner or materials which create a hazard to life, health or safety. Fences and walls made of razor wire, barbed wire, concertina wire, nails, glass and similar materials, including electrified fences, are prohibited and shall not be erected, constructed or maintained. However, fences an...
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